Kitui County Assembly Speaker Hon. Kevin Kinengo Katisya has strongly defended Governor Dr. Julius Malombe following his recent appearance before the Senate County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC), where he was questioned over audit queries and sand harvesting revenue reported in the county’s 2024/25 financial statements.

Governor Malombe was summoned to appear before the Senate CPAC Committee on Tuesday, February 4, 2026, to respond to concerns over alleged underreporting and under-optimization of revenue from sand harvesting, one of Kitui County’s key natural resources. The session saw Senators raise alarm over possible loss of public funds and weaknesses in revenue management systems.

Speaking to the media at his office on Tuesday, January 10, 2026, after presiding over the official reopening of the County Assembly for the Fifth Session following the December 2025 recess where the Assembly had adjourned on December 17, 2025, before resuming its regular sittings.

Speaker Kinengo criticized what he termed as attempts by some leaders to use sand harvesting issues for political gain, in remarks that appeared to be directed at Kitui Senator Hon. Enoch Kiio Wambua. He noted that the County Assembly had already enacted the Kitui County River Basins, Sand Utilization and Conservation Act, 2024, to regulate the sector and ensure transparency and environmental conservation. “As the leadership of the County Assembly, we want to make it clear that leaders should stop seeking political mileage through sand harvesting matters. This issue has existed for a long time, and parading county matters at the national level in a manner that paints Kitui negatively is uncalled for,” said Speaker Kinengo.

The Speaker emphasized that the law passed by the Assembly provides a comprehensive framework for regulating sand harvesting and that the County Executive is implementing the legislation. He also urged sand harvesters, all stakeholders including community-based cooperatives and regulatory committees, to ensure sand harvesting is conducted responsibly and in an environmentally sustainable manner.

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Governor Malombe, during his appearance before the Senate CPAC Committee chaired by Senator Moses Kajwang’, faced tough questions over discrepancies in sand cess revenue. The Committee expressed concern that revenue from sand harvesting could be significantly higher than what had been declared in the county’s financial statements. “Revenue from sand cess requires thorough investigation. We direct the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to follow up on the matter and take the necessary action as provided for under the Constitution,” said Senator Kajwang’.

The Governor explained that cess charges vary depending on truck size, with large 10-ton trucks paying up to Ksh. 5,000 per trip, while smaller trucks pay between Ksh. 2,000 and Ksh. 3,000. He stated that the number of trucks transporting sand fluctuates based on weather conditions, with between 10 and 20 trucks operating daily, and fewer during rainy seasons.

However, Senator Enoch Wambua challenged the Governor’s figures, alleging that at least 100 trucks transport sand daily and claiming that revenue leakages could be occurring due to cartel involvement. He further questioned how the county reported only Ksh. 11 million annually from sand harvesting, arguing that even conservative estimates suggest significantly higher potential revenue.

Governor Malombe attributed the discrepancies to historical weaknesses in regulation and the previously unstructured nature of sand harvesting in the county. He maintained that reforms introduced by his administration, including enforcement of new laws and improved oversight, were aimed at sealing revenue loopholes.

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Speaker Kinengo, while defending the Governor, also called on county finance officials to ensure transparency and accountability in financial reporting to avoid future audit queries. “I want to urge officers in charge of finance department within the County Executive to ensure they provide proper and verifiable audit reports that do not raise unnecessary questions or concerns,” he said.

He reaffirmed the County Assembly’s commitment to its constitutional oversight role, assuring Kitui residents that the Assembly will continue to monitor the Executive to ensure efficient service delivery. “As the County Assembly, we remain committed to our oversight mandate to ensure the people of Kitui receive the services they deserve, especially as we approach the final phase of this administration ahead of the 2027 General Election,” Speaker Kinengo stated.

The Senate probe has intensified scrutiny on sand harvesting in Kitui County, with leaders calling for stronger regulation, transparency, and accountability in managing the county’s natural resources.

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